Named after Van Basten – Asensio shining at Villa

Marco Asensio’s signing by Aston Villa appears to be among the best deals ever made on deadline day.

The Spain international has won numerous Champions League titles with Real Madrid and the French league with Paris St-Germain, his career brimming with success.

With his double against Cardiff on Friday night, which sent Villa to the quarter-finals, he is continuing to build his collection of silverware from England.

Since joining Villa on loan from PSG, his impact has been remarkable, with his two goals putting him in the top four overall.

Asensio told ITV Sport, “I’m very happy with the team-mates and the staff, because they give me a lot of confidence.”

“I give it my best on the pitch, and it’s going well,” said one player, “and I want to score more to give this team, this club, and this is my goal.”

We must continue to push forward confidently. Champions League is the next step, and there is now a focus.

Fans at Villa can’t wait to see how he’s developing with Marcus Rashford, another winter signing after the England international left Manchester United on loan.

He assisted Asensio’s opener against Cardiff, resulting in the Spanish midfielder’s three goals scored assists for Villa thus far.

Asensio continued, “Marcus [Rashford] is a top player.

With his father naming him after legendary Netherlands striker Marco van Basten, Asensio was probablydestined to play football.

However, the 29-year-old has established a remarkable career.

He spent time with Real Madrid before moving to Mallorca, where he helped them win the Champions League four times and three times in La Liga.

He won 17 Trophäes overall at Real, more than Alfredo Di Stefano, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in world football.

He left Real for French giants PSG, where he helped them win a domestic treble last year, after seven seasons there.

With all the success he has had, it was undeniable for him to join a team that isn’t currently aiming for league titles.

Unai Emery, who has long been Asensio’s admirer, was a key player in his signing, though.

Guillem Balague, a Spanish football expert, reported to BBC Sport that Unai had tried to obtain Asensio in at least three windows.

He has consistently stated to Unai that he wants to collaborate with him and grow with him.

Emery’s reputation seems to have been rewarded with the promise of playing Asensio in the number 10.

Balague added that he hasn’t played there since Mallorca.

Rashford appears to be putting a difficult season at Manchester United behind him with a strong start to life in the Midlands, but Asensio is just one of the players who has flourished since moving to Aston Villa.

Rashford had been struggling for form at Old Trafford before Ruben Amorim’s removal.

However, he appears to be returning to his best form with his move to Villa and playing alongside Asensio.

Rashford has made more chances in every competition since making his Premier League debut on February 9 (13).

Rashford had six chances against Cardiff, which is equivalent to the most chances he had ever had (six vs. Wigan in January 2024) for Manchester United.

Although he hasn’t yet scored, a response will undoubtedly follow from his previous performances.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright stated on ITV Sport that “Aston Villa have given him a lifeline.”

At Manchester United, it seems to have come to an end. He had to show that he had a lot to give, and at 27 he needed to regain his self-assurance. He has a good opportunity thanks to Villa.

With this brand-new, exciting Aston Villa forward line, things could be very exciting here at Aston Villa.

Emery believes that Asensio and Rashford’s consistency is essential to Villa’s goals this season, especially with their Champions League last-16 game against Club Brugge coming up next.

He said, “We need Rashford and Asensio.”

“We need the players who signed up during the closing window.” We require players returning from injury. In the coming weeks and months, each player will be required.